By Crystal McGough, Editor
TRUSSVILLE – Those who have been around the Trussville community for a while will likely remember the widely-popular “Dog Daze” festival held annually at the Historic Trussville Mall off North Chalkville Road. Named after the “dog days” of summer, which according to the Farmer’s Almanac is considered to be a 40-day period of excessive heat lasting from July 3 – Aug. 11, the festival was originally held each year in August.
Though not necessarily the intended purpose of the festival, due to the name, many people would also bring their dogs along with them to enjoy the music, booths, giveaways and other entertainment. There were even plenty of treats and giveaways for the pups.
In July 2012, the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce announced that the name of the festival, which had been moved from August to May in recent years, would change to Trussville City Fest beginning in 2013. The location of the event was also moved from the grassy Trussville Mall to stretching all the way down Parkway Drive from Main Street to Cahaba Elementary.
Now, the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce has announced they are “Bringing it Back” to “Dog Daze.”
In a statement released on Thursday, July 27, 2023, the chamber not only said the name will be changing back from Trussville City Fest to Trussville Dog Daze, but the festival will also be moving back to the Mall in Trussville’s Historic District.
“Trussville Dog Daze is a fun, family event … and the admission is free,” the chamber states on their website. “So much going on including kids’ activities, vendors, food trucks, art walk, cornhole tournament and lots of entertainment. Make plans to visit Dog Daze on September 16, it is a day you will not want to miss!”
Throughout the day, patrons can plan to visit the Fresh Farmer’s Market at Holy Cross Church, and then head over the the Mall where they will find various booths and vendors, in addition to a wellness area, food court, a car show, and the Bryant Bank Kid’s Area, featuring a foam dance party, balloon animals and face painting, and lots of other family activities.
Fun Source will also provide a Kid’s Zone with rides and inflatables. Tickets and armbands will be available for a minimal cost (cash only). Wristbands will grant access to unlimited rides and the cost will be $25. A portion of all wristbands sold will go back to the Trussville Chamber’s Scholarship fund.
Pet Supplies Plus will be holding its annual “Pup Strut” dog show on the stage at the mall. Registration will be the morning of the event at the Cahaba Dog Park tent.
“You and your pup will not want to miss out on being a part of this year’s pup strut,” the chamber website states. “All money raised will benefit this great organization.”
Patrons also should be sure to stop by the Central Hub to stay informed and make sure they don’t miss out on any of the exciting activities.
While admission to Dog Daze is free, the chamber said there will be minimal charges for the kid’s activities, Pet Supplies Plus Pup Strut, and items purchased from vendors.
Dog Daze will be held on Sept. 16, 2023, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Brown Automotive is the presenting sponsor for Trussville Dog Daze. Other major sponsors for this year’s festival include Courtesy Buick GMC, Bryant Bank, AmFirst Credit Union, Birmingham Coca-Cola, Ascension St. Vincent’s and Grandview Medical Center/Freestanding ER, Voigt-Abernathy Company, Pet Supplies Plus, Aire Serv, Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens, BBB of Central & South Alabama, and Wilbur’s.
Patrons can help kick off the festival at “Tune Up for Dog Daze” the Saturday before, Sept. 9, at the Trussville Entertainment District from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. There will be free kids’ activities from 6-8 p.m., and The Velcro Pygmies will be performing live on the Trussville Entertainment District stage from 8-10 p.m.
“Come be a part of this great festival,” the chamber stated. “There will be plenty of food, fun, booth vendors, kids’ activities, live entertainment, car show, touch that truck, pup strut and much, much more! And be sure to pick up one of the official Dog Daze T-shirts with this year’s great design for only $15!”
Vendor spots are still available. For more information, visit www.trussvillechamber.com or call the chamber office at (205) 655-7535.